Hesitation and hope mixed with excitement, curiosity and fun. That is how I got into painting with Pastel. Just looking at a box of pastel full of incredibly beautiful colors is enough to enchant my spirit. I discovered this Medium as I studied with Teresa Saia, Janet Hamilton and Karla Matzke.
In the past and all through Art School, back in Switzerland, I have studied jewelry design and all major kind of drawing and art composition, 3D clay classes, enameling, jewelry fabrication and diamond and stone setting, within the 4 and a half years / 50 hour per week rigorous training to become a professional jeweler / goldsmith.
To be a jeweler was my dream since I was 5 years old! - I am not exactly sure why- however, I have now realized that creating is the need that has to be met. If I paint, write a poem, play the piano or create a one of a kind piece of jewelry, I experience the same joy.
As a native to the French part of Switzerland, at age 16, I entered the Ecole d’art appliqué of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland. Four and a half years later, with my diploma in hand, I was quickly hired by Patek Philippe in Geneva Switzerland, a prestigious world famous watch and jewelry manufacturer since 1851. It was a challenging job as I also was the first woman jeweler ever hired by Patek Philippe. During the two years I worked there, I developed an appreciation for classic and hand manufactured fine jewelry and for the precision, patience and artistic sense that is required to create a unique piece of jewelry.
Later on, I broadened my knowledge in jewelry designing, merchandising and sales, working for Bucherer in Geneva as a “warrenchef”.
In 1985, I moved from Geneva to Mount Vernon, WA with my wonderful American husband. After settling in, I opened my home based custom jewelry business in 1988.
I have shown my jewelry and paintings in many juried art shows in The Puget Sound Area. You can find my work at Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood and The Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham, WA.
My love for creating is equally met by my love for people. I welcome Jewelry Commission work as well as repairs and transformation of old pieces and it has become my main occupation.
My clients are my direct source of inspiration as I create pieces unique to them, their style, their needs, the symbols and meanings that will become their own and no one else. I find magic in achieving this in all my custom pieces. I expect the quality of my workmanship to be legendary and to delight the most discriminating jewelry lovers for years to come with their Marie-Claire pieces.
Marie-Claire jewelry pieces are now owned by people in USA, Canada, Switzerland, France and Japan.
“I believe in jewelry with simple lines that suggest
feelings of Beauty & timeless enjoyment.”
Marie-Claire Dole | 
